Frank Avruch, a Boston television personality and long-time host who starred in the popular American children's television show "Bozo the Clown", passed away. He was 89 years old.
Avruch died Tuesday at his Boston home from heart disease, told his family in a statement to WCVB-TV .
Avruch played Bozo the Clown from 1959 to 1970, a clown character particularly popular in the United States in the 1960s because of the widespread switch to television. Avruch became the first Bozo the Clown.
"He had a heart of gold," manager Stuart Hersh told The Associated Press on Wednesday, "He brought the Bozo the Clown character to life better than anyone else's portrayal of Bozo the Clown."
Avruch also was a contributor to WCVB-TV for more than 40 years as a host of "Man About Town" and "The Great Entertainment."